Articles tagged with Urology
Researchers explore the role of diverse bacteria in common urologic diseases affecting children, including urinary tract infections and urge urinary incontinence. Probiotics and dietary modifications show potential to prevent or treat these conditions.
A study of 2014 Medicare data found that urologists who saw more patients had lower online patient ratings, while those who saw fewer patients received higher ratings. This association may be linked to factors such as wait times and overall patient satisfaction.
A team of experts from around the world collaborated to develop a program to treat bladder exstrophy in children, resulting in improved patient outcomes and long-term sustainability. The program, which includes rigorous patient follow-up and training of local surgeons, has transformed care for children born with this complex disorder.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that men with varicoceles, enlarged veins in the scrotum, are more likely to develop heart disease, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. However, asymptomatic varicoceles do not increase the risk of these diseases.
A recent study reveals that 40% of hospitals do not routinely utilize CT shielding to protect patients from stray radiation during diagnostic imaging. Despite being aware of its benefits, only 84% of hospitals report using shielding, highlighting the need for increased awareness and implementation.
The Prostate Health Index test influences physician decisions to perform biopsies, with only 36% of men receiving biopsies when phi testing was included in the assessment compared to 60% before its availability. The study also found a reduction in low-grade prostate cancers detected.
A new study found that patients undergoing urological surgery are at risk of opioid dependence or overdose, with younger age, depression, and tobacco use being key risk factors. Urologists urge a balanced approach to prescribing opioids to minimize risks and maximize patient safety.
A study published in JAMA found that older adults taking blood-thinning medications are at a higher risk of hematuria-related complications, including emergency department visits and hospitalizations. The prevalence and severity of these complications are largely unknown, highlighting the need for further research.
A new study shows significant improvement in sexual and urinary function as well as quality of life for hypogonadal men undergoing long-term testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone therapy is found to increase bladder emptying, improve erectile/sexual health and overall quality of life.
A recent study published in Pain investigated widespread pain and its relation to the brain. Researchers found that individuals with widespread pain had increased gray matter and brain connectivity in sensory and motor cortical areas, similar to those with fibromyalgia.
A study by Loyola Medicine found that 0.09% of patients who underwent urologic surgery were diagnosed with opioid dependence or overdose (ODO) within a year. Patients at highest risk for ODO were younger, had longer hospital stays, and were on Medicaid or Medicare.
A new biopsy technique combining MRI and ultrasound improves prostate cancer detection. Researchers found that patients are willing to pay $1,598 more for a biopsy increasing the likelihood of detecting all types of prostate cancer from 43% to 51%.
A study found that nearly half of new doctors' Facebook profiles contain concerning content, including self-authored unprofessional posts and confidential patient information. Researchers warn about the impact on online and offline behavior as a new generation of physicians enters practice.
A new study reveals that only 30% of men in a national survey reported having a balanced discussion with their doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. This trend has become less likely since the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended against PSA testing in 2012.
The CLUE Working Group conducted two systematic reviews to address thrombosis and hemorrhage risks after urological cancer operations and other forms of urological surgery. The studies found that anticoagulant prophylaxis is justified in high-risk patients, but not necessarily in low-risk procedures.
Children's National urologist Michael Hsieh is awarded a $1 million grant to generate mutant forms of IPSE, a parasite-derived protein that may alleviate bladder pain. The goal is to develop IPSE as an alternative to opioids for treating pain in general.
Researchers at Buck Institute for Research on Aging found that alpha-lipoic acid prevented stone formation in a mouse model of cystinuria, a rare inherited disease. The supplement increased the solubility of cystine crystals, providing a new function for alpha-lipoic acid.
A study of three genes associated with prostate cancer found that men with inherited mutations are more likely to develop aggressive forms and die earlier. The study suggests that germline mutations in these genes can be used to predict risk for lethal prostate cancer.
A new review of 55 kidney stone studies suggests alpha blockers may be useful in facilitating stone passage, particularly for patients with larger stones. The findings indicate a 57% higher risk of stone passage for larger stones with an alpha blocker, but no benefit for smaller stones.
The Sexual Medicine Society of North America renamed its Lifetime Achievement Award to honor Dr. Lewis, a pioneer in treating male sexual dysfunction. He made significant contributions to promoting standards and ethics in sexual medicine, serving as president and chairing various committees.
A study of 2386 men with localized prostate cancer found that second opinions did not affect treatment choice or quality of care. Men who sought second opinions due to dissatisfaction with their initial urologist were less likely to receive definitive treatment.
Following the USPSTF recommendation against population-based PSA screening, median biopsy volume per urologist decreased by 29% and RP volume decreased by 16%. Prostate cancer diagnostic and therapeutic practice patterns have shifted significantly.
The Pitt Urology Department has been awarded $7.7 million to investigate BPH and LUTS, aiming to develop novel preventative and therapeutic approaches. The center will focus on inflammation involved in these conditions.
A five-year review of over 275,000 visits at UT Southwestern Medical Center showed that PSA testing remained unchanged despite revised guidelines discouraging its use. The study found slight increases in PSA levels after the guidelines were revised, but these had little clinical impact on treatment or results.
A new study published in The Journal of Urology reveals that female urologists perform more procedures on women and have higher surgical volumes for gender-specific cases. This finding challenges the assumption that women prefer to see female physicians, with results showing a significant difference in treatment rates across regions.
Researchers at Umeå University found that men with very high-risk prostate cancer treated at hospitals with a high proportion of radical local treatment had only half the mortality risk compared to those treated at low-proportion hospitals. Radical local therapy may prolong life for these patients.
Black children who undergo urologic surgery are more likely to experience postsurgical complications and hospital-acquired infections. The study analyzed data from nearly 12,000 patients and found that hospitals and policy makers should expand efforts to reduce postoperative adverse events and health disparities in children.
Researchers at UCLA have found laser heat ablation to be a safe and effective treatment option for men with intermediate risk prostate cancer, with no serious adverse effects reported. The technique uses MRI guidance to target and destroy cancerous tissue, offering a middle ground between radical surgery and active surveillance.
The IsoPSA test detects prostate cancer by identifying molecular changes in the prostate specific antigen (PSA) protein. It also differentiates between high-risk and low-risk disease, as well as benign conditions.
Researchers identified predictors of postoperative complications after partial nephrectomy and found a significant reduction in perioperative blood transfusions with the use of tranexamic acid. Additionally, men who underwent primary artificial urinary sphincter implantation for stress incontinence had improved long-term outcomes.
A new model of care for patients with low-risk prostate cancer has been tested, improving patient outcomes by increasing surveillance rates among very low-risk patients. The evidence-based approach uses best practices to select and follow patients, enhancing acceptance and use of active surveillance disease management.
A study found that patients with lower literacy levels tend to visit websites promoting products or services, while those with higher education seek non-commercial sites. The study highlights the need for clinicians to guide patients towards reputable online health information sources.
A study published in the Journal of Urology found that up to 30% of men on active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer may have metastases. Risk factors include Gleason score 7 and presence of Gleason pattern 4 on diagnostic biopsy.
Men with fertility problems are at higher risk of metabolic diseases such as osteoporosis and diabetes. Researchers found that one-third of infertile men under 50 have biochemical signs of low sex hormone levels, which can lead to fractures and increased glucose levels.
Declines in PSA testing varied by physician type, with primary care physicians showing a larger decrease than urologists. The study suggests that perceptions of PSA screening benefits and conflicting guidelines may contribute to the differences.
The American College of Physicians issues guidelines for evaluating blood in the urine as a sign of cancer. Doctors should confirm heme-positive results with microscopic urinalysis before initiating further evaluation in asymptomatic adults. Urology referral is recommended for cystoscopy and imaging in adults with microscopically confi...
Patients undergoing urologic surgery who are frail have a 1.7-times higher risk of complications. Frailty is an independent predictor of postoperative complications across most procedures.
A new study published in The Journal of Urology finds that female urologists earn approximately $76,000 less than men annually, despite a significant increase in women entering the field. Despite income disparities, female urologists report high levels of job satisfaction.
Researchers have discovered that a drug restoring natural testosterone production has no negative effect on sperm count, unlike traditional testosterone replacement therapy. This approach could change the way men are treated for low testosterone, potentially preserving fertility.
A new guideline from the Canadian Men's Health Foundation provides a roadmap for diagnosing and treating testosterone deficiency in men. Key recommendations include conducting thorough patient histories, measuring total testosterone levels, and assessing patient response to treatment.
Five researchers have been awarded Ferring Innovation Grants to support groundbreaking research in Reproductive Health, Gastroenterology, and Urology. The winners are working on innovative projects including immunomodulation of RELMβ for IBD and targeting Cripto in castration-resistant prostate cancer.
A study of nearly 60,000 women who received synthetic vaginal mesh slings for stress urinary incontinence found a low risk of needing second surgery for mesh removal or revision. High-volume surgeons performed fewer complications, and multiple mesh-based procedures increased the risk of complications.
A recent study by UC San Francisco found that bicycle accidents among riders older than 45 have increased significantly, resulting in more hospitalizations. The study showed a 66% increase in hospital admissions to older riders and an 81% rise in injuries occurring to riders above age 45.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine analyzed survival statistics of 1,298 men with low-risk prostate tumors and found that only two died of prostate cancer after 15 years, while three developed metastatic disease. This suggests that carefully selected patients in active surveillance programs are unlikely to be harmed by their disease.
Surgeons report positive outcomes in robotic IVC thrombectomy for renal cancer patients with Level III thrombus. Eight out of nine patients show no evidence of disease after follow-up, with significant advancements in operating room times and blood loss.
Researchers found that men with low-risk prostate cancer are increasingly opting for active surveillance, while those with higher-risk tumors are receiving more aggressive treatments. This shift aims to reduce overtreatment and improve outcomes for patients.
A UCLA review of common practices in prostate cancer has found that monitoring men with very low- and low-risk prostate cancers using watchful waiting or active surveillance is an effective approach for many patients. This approach could spare them the debilitating side effects of aggressive treatments, which are often used unnecessari...
New research reveals zinc may be the core of stone formation in kidneys, with changes in oxalate levels tracking dietary zinc intake. The findings suggest that understanding zinc's role in preventing kidney stones could lead to new preventive and therapeutic approaches.
Researchers discover a minimally invasive method to remove genitourinary mesh implants without major surgery, improving symptoms for some patients. Mayo Clinic also reports promising outcomes for octogenarians undergoing artificial urinary sphincter operations and children with ADHD who receive sacral neuromodulation therapy
A new study found that smoking is associated with increased complications during and after urologic cancer surgery, as well as other major surgeries. Quitting smoking for even a year significantly improves surgical outcomes.
Dr. Coffey will receive the award for his pioneering work on prostate cancer, nuclear matrix, and mentoring of young researchers. He is also recognized for his outstanding leadership skills and advocacy for sustained funding for cancer research.
Close monitoring of small renal tumors can be an alternative to surgery, with low rates of tumor growth or death observed. The study's findings suggest that actively monitoring these tumors in high-risk patients may prove safer than immediate surgery.
Researchers found that higher-earning clinicians earn more by providing more services per patient, rather than seeing more patients. This challenges the current fee-for-service payment model, which may not incentivize clinicians to prioritize quality of care.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified over 3,000 new gene mutations involved in certain kidney cancers. The study reveals how these mutations transform a normal kidney cell into a cancer cell through the interaction of two genes, VHL and BAP1.
A study evaluated the rate of physician adherence to American Urological Association's BPH/LUTS guidelines over a five-year period. Provider adherence rates varied from 53% to 92.8%, with low rates for challenging measures like subjective symptom description and physical examination.
A joint FDA advisory panel recommended changes to testosterone product labels and required drug makers to conduct tests on cardiovascular risk related to testosterone therapy. The panel's focus was on male age-related hypogonadism, which affects approximately 20-30% of men ages 40-79 years old.
A global team of scientists has found 23 new genetic variants associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. The study, which analyzed data from over 87,000 men, suggests that these variants may be important in regulating genes rather than making proteins.
A recent study published in BJU International found a significant increase in preventable deaths following common urologic procedures in the US. The study analyzed discharge records of patients undergoing urologic surgery between 1998 and 2010, revealing that mortality rates remained stable while failure to rescue rates increased.
A study published by Henry Ford Hospital researchers found that deaths from complications following urologic surgeries increased as procedures shifted from inpatient to outpatient settings. High-risk patients, including older and sicker individuals with public insurance, were more likely to die after potentially preventable complications.
A large study published in European Urology has found that needle-guided tumor destruction procedures, such as partial nephrectomy and radiofrequency ablation, offer near equivalent lengths of local cancer control compared to surgery for patients with small kidney cancer tumors.